Russian big-hitter Maria Sharapova Tuesday overwhelmed Samantha Stosur of Australia in a swift 6-0, 6-1 victory as other top players suffered early exits at the Pan Pacific Open. Former world number one Sharapova fired seven aces and hit a first-serve percentage of 71, in addition to a barrage of sizzling shots that ended the match in 57 minutes at the Ariake Colosseum.
"So far, I feel like I have been serving really, really well," she said. Sharapova, winner here in 2005, said she has focused on serves as one of her practice priorities since her disappointing showing at the US Open earlier this month. The 22-year-old is one of a few top-class players remaining in this two-million-dollar event after a series of second-round upsets ousted top-ranking players.
The world number one Dinara Safina of Russia, number three Venus Williams of the United States and number four Elena Dementieva, also of Russia, were all ousted on Monday and Tuesday. French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova has also been eliminated. "I think it just shows the competitiveness of women's tennis today, and how much everyone is improving," Sharapova said. "You are seeing many three-setters. That's a real indication of the strength and depth of the game right now," she said.